Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.

We've stayed in all but the Wigwams as we always reached them too early in the afternoon to stay. Maybe next time.

2. STREET CAR-- The Riviera street car has now been moved to nearby Gardner, Illinois. The town came out, lifted it onto a flatbed truck and took it away. Its new location will be next to the historic jail in town.

The move was necessitated by the fire that burned down the old Riviera that looked highly suspicious.

3. SONRISE DONUTS-- This neat place with its striking sign, is set to reopen in Springfield, Illinois. Back in 2005, we were fortunate enough to catch a meal there on one of the rare times it was open.